Government Draws Line on Entry Ban from China: "Surge in Cases Due to Community Transmission" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 27th, the government stated that "the cause of the rapid increase in domestic confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is community transmission" and announced that it will not expand restrictions on the entry of Chinese nationals.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing that morning, "Looking at the recent domestic situation, we have not yet found evidence that infections are occurring due to the spread from external inflows."

Chief Coordinator Kim said, "China's current outbreak trend is generally stabilizing," and added, "Considering both domestic and international situations, we judge that it is more appropriate to mitigate the damage caused by community transmission rather than reducing inflow by additional entry restrictions on (Chinese nationals)."

The government also criticized the fact that about 40 countries are banning or restricting the entry of Koreans as "excessive measures." Lee Tae-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, said at the briefing, "Despite Korea having world-class quarantine capabilities and operating a systematic and effective quarantine system with transparent responses, it is judged that these measures taken by foreign countries are excessive," and added, "We are making the utmost diplomatic efforts to have these measures withdrawn and restrained."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.